Clogged drains are one of the most common plumbing problems you’ll experience as a homeowner. Typically you’ll be able to find a solution for a clogged drain yourself, but there are times when you’ll have to call in a professional to assist you in de-clogging your drains. While you may not be able to keep your drains from clogging up, there are steps you can take to prevent clogged drains.
Drain Strainers
Drain strainers are particularly useful in sinks that don’t have a garbage disposal. The drain strainer helps catch any food scraps before they go down the drain.
Disposal of Food and Grease
Most kitchen sinks come equipped with a garbage disposal to help break down any food that gets rinsed down the drain. Generally, even if you have a garbage disposal, you want to make sure you aren’t letting food scraps get into the drain. Garbage disposals can help clear up any food that goes down the drain, but they aren’t a full-proof prevention method for clogged drains.
Make sure you avoid rinsing any grease or oil down the drain. Grease and oil tend to harden over time and cause a backup in the pipes from too much buildup. Even rinsing grease and oil down the drain with hot water isn’t the best method. Instead, use a paper towel to grab any oil or grease that remains and dispose of it in the trash can. You can also drain the grease or oil into a cup that’s filled with some cold water. Once it hardens, you can dispose of the grease in the trash.
Clean Bathroom Drains Often
Bathroom drains tend to see the most hair and soap scum, among other gunk. Periodically cleaning the drains of scum will help prevent a clogged drain. If a drain clog does occur, you can use Drano to help break down any buildup that could be clogging your drains.
Watch What You Flush
Toilets are only suited to dispose of human waste and toilet paper. Any other materials can cause a backup and damage your pipes.
In short, try to keep anything from going down a drain. Whether you find bits of food or hair going down the drain, keeping your pipes clear of debris is the best method to prevent clogged drains. Consider adding a drain stopper to sinks without a garbage disposal so you can prevent buildup in your pipes. Following these tips will help prevent your drains from clogging up. Typically you can clear a clogged drain with the help of Drano, but if you find your drain is clogging up multiple times a month, you should call a Boulder plumber to help you solve the problem.
